Get started with DirectX for Windows

Creating a Microsoft DirectX game for Windows is a challenge for a new developer. Here we quickly review the concepts involved and the steps you must take to begin developing a game using DirectX and C++.

Let's get started.

What skills do you need?

To develop a game in DirectX for Windows, you must have a few basic skills. Specifically, you must be able to:

• Read and write modern C++ code (C++11 helps the most), and be familiar with basic C++ design principles and patterns like templates and the factory model. You must also be familiar with common C++ libraries like the Standard Template Library, and specifically with the casting operators, pointer types, and the standard template library data structures (such as std::vector).
• Understand basic geometry, trigonometry, and linear algebra. Much of the code you will find in the examples assumes you understand these forms of mathematics and their common rules.
• Have familiarity with COM—especially Microsoft::WRL::ComPtr (smart pointer).
• Understand the foundations of graphics and graphics technology, particularly 3D graphics. While DirectX itself has its own terminology, it still builds upon a well-established understanding of general 3D graphics principles.
• Understand the concept of a message loop, because you'll be implementing a loop that listens to the Windows operating system.

And we're off!

Ready to start? Let's review before we head on. You have:

• An updated and working installation of Windows 8.1.
• An installation of Microsoft Visual Studio.
• An intrepid spirit and a desire to learn more about DirectX game development!

Next steps